Press releases

20 June 2008, World Refugee Day and Turkey's contribution to the protection of refugees and humanitarian duty. (Unofficial Translation)

Throughout history the Turkish people have opened their doors, extended a helping hand and provided a safe haven to people who fled oppression.

Turkey continues to attach importance to international efforts aimed at the protection of refugees, and noble goals such as solving refugee problems on a worldwide scale, and in this respect fulfills whatever humanitarian duty that falls on itself.

Turkey, in addition to its annual voluntary contributions, in 2005 provided funding of 500.000 US Dollars to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and 891.000 US Dollars to UNHCR-NATO Joint Operation for South Asia Earthquake, in 2007 3 million US Dollars to UNHCR’s Iraqi Displaced Persons Programme in 2007, and in 2008 responded with 250.000 US Dollars to UNHCR’s appeal for Internally Displaced Persons in Africa Programme.

In the process of EU membership, the "Turkish National Action Plan for the Adoption of the EU Acquis in the Field of Asylum and Migration“ was prepared in 2005, for alignment with the Acquis. The Action Plan, submitted to the EU Commission, envisages establishment of an Asylum and Migration Specialization Unit, legislative arrangements for harmonization with the EU of Turkey’s asylum, migration and aliens legislation and system, investment projects complementing administrative and physical infrastructure, and other necessary arrangements.

On 20 June World Refugee Day, Turkey reiterates that it stands beside those in distress fleeing from persecution, and that it will continue with its efforts aimed at ensuring that they have a decent life.


Republic of Turkey - Ministry of Foreign Affairs